The traceability system in vannamei shrimp export products is developed to prevent food fraud and assist in product recall implementation when necessary. This is to ensure that the vannamei shrimp export process runs effectively and efficiently. Additionally, traceability also serves as a tool for the development of global food standards.
Attention to the quality and safety of food for both domestic and global populations has been increasing lately. Most consumers pay more attention to the food processing process from farm to table.
Ensuring the traceability of a vannamei shrimp export product can increase the product’s market value. This is because consumers become more confident in the products they choose. For more information, read the following article!
Also Read: When is the Right Time to Change Shrimp Pond Water?
What is Traceability in Vannamei Shrimp Export Products?
Food traceability in vannamei shrimp export products is a method for tracing when shrimp are farmed and then processed throughout the food chain until they are ready for consumption.
Additionally, there is also food authentication, which is a method to assure consumers to obtain their rights according to the composition stated on the labels of vannamei shrimp products marketed.
Both food traceability and food authentication are needed to ensure that the products marketed are not products resulting from food fraud, which has a high likelihood of occurring in this era of globalization.
The development of traceability and food authentication systems can be traced back to 1994 when ISO defined the term traceability (ISO 8402). Furthermore, in 2022, the Food Safety Agency (FSA) added its characteristics and the critical points that must be well recorded.
In 2004, CODEX updated the definition of traceability, and in 2005 ISO, through ISO 9000, presented a new definition and its application treatment for the future. Meanwhile, on the other hand, Danezis et al. (2016) developed the definition of authentication, which is a method for ensuring compliance with the given label, adding information on the origin of ingredients, and the applied processing methods.
Also Read: 7 Factors Influencing the Shrimp Export You Should Know
Vannamei Shrimp Export Product Traceability System
The terms tracking and tracing are known in the traceability system of vannamei shrimp export products and other food products. Tracking is the downstream tracing activity, while tracing is the upstream tracing activity.
Traceability is a mechanism that includes identifying process units as critical points for observation, establishing links, recording information, and collecting and storing information and verifying it.
The FAO publication issued in 2017 contains guidelines that include the principles and implementation of traceability from the level of farmers, suppliers, food services, exporters, and so on until ready for consumption.
The guidelines include implementation examples that cover the preparations needed, how to carry out the traceability process, and the technologies used. In principle, stakeholders can identify critical observation units to focus on, give them clear identities, and apply appropriate methods.
For example, vannamei shrimp processing companies must know the identity and characteristics of their vannamei shrimp export product suppliers. Similarly, suppliers or shrimp farmers must know and understand the information of the processing companies they choose to process their shrimp.
Recording activities are also one of the methods used by vannamei shrimp export industry players. Modern recording can be done electronically, and data can be stored in real time to facilitate traceability processes when needed. This makes it easier for consumers and industry players to know the origin of the products they purchase.
Opportunities and Challenges of Vannamei Shrimp Export Product Traceability
The global food chain demands data fulfilment, and the biggest challenge of the traceability process is storing multidimensional data. Without completeness and ease of obtaining data on raw materials and product manufacturing processes, the traceability process is not easy to carry out.
The development of technology that will facilitate traceability processes such as the use of IoT, big data, machine learning, and the like should already be initiated and implemented. Additionally, governments also play an important role in the development of traceability in vannamei shrimp export products through regulations issued.
Also Read: Challenges in Vannamei Shrimp Farming
Support the Improvement of Indonesian Vannamei Shrimp Export Quality with DELOS!
The traceability of vannamei shrimp export products is the responsibility of every industry player. From farmers, processors, and distributors, to exporters and importers. This is to ensure that the products reaching consumers are not part of food fraud.
Let’s support improving the quality and volume of Indonesian shrimp exports, especially vannamei shrimp, to the world market together with DELOS! DELOS, along with shrimp farmers, is committed to improving the quality of Indonesian shrimp and ensuring sustainable shrimp farming processes.
Join DELOS to support Indonesian shrimp exports! Visit www.delosaqua.com or contact contact@delosaqua.com for more information.
